THEY say teamwork makes the dream work and that was certainly the case for two Tynedale chefs recently.

For when Shakil Ahmed and Jamal Uddin united to compete in the North East Culinary and Trade Association (NECTA) hospitality salon earlier this month, the pair emerged triumphant.

The duo, who are usually found in the kitchens at The Spice Mill Indian restaurant and take-away in Allendale and the Indus Valley at Hexham Railway Station, beat off stiff competition to scoop the North East Asian Chef title during the event at Newcastle Racecourse.

Working against the clock under the team name “The Supreme Dream Spice Team”, Shakil and Jamal prepared, cooked and presented a tasty mushroom starter and sea bass main course in front of an audience.

“There were 16 chefs working at eight stations and we had just an hour,” explained Shakil.

“It was a great experience and we hope to do more of it,” said Jamal.

The pair have also won praise from boss Titu Ahad, who owns the two popular Indian restaurants, as well as Saathi on Priestpopple in Hexham.

“Cooking in a different environment, in front of an audience and with different equipment was always going to be a challenge, but they did a great job alongside some great competitors,” he said.